Get ready to be swept off your feet and immersed once again in this epic story of love, loss, camaraderie and courage in the heartwarming musical, based on the timeless 1982 film, An Officer and a Gentleman.

I was lucky enough to be invited to come and review An Officer and a Gentleman at the Wales Millennium Centre last night and having watched the film growing up, I was excited to see such an iconic love story brought to life on stage.

We are thrown into this rollercoaster of a love story between Naval Officer candidate Zack Mayo and the head-strong local factory girl, Paula Pokrifki. Brace yourselves as we journey with them as they fall hard and fast but will they be brave enough to long for more? 

I was not expecting a jukebox musical and although I would have liked to see what they could have done with an original score, the hit songs that they chose for this show made their impact. Including smash-hit songs from Madonna, Bon Jovi, Cyndi Lauper, Blondie and, of course, the iconic award-winning soundtrack of the original movie, ‘(Love Lift Us) Up Where We Belong’. The moment that song started playing, I had goosebumps. 

There is no doubt that this is a talented cast, with Luke Baker and Georgia Lennon leading the cast as Zack Mayo and Paula Pokrifki. It is a daunting task to take on a role such as this, with the audience waiting to fall back in love with these characters they’ve known for so long. But it has to be said, despite the pressure this role presents, both Baker and Lennon did an incredible job, and really showed off their talents. Especially Georgia Lennon’s powerful performance of the hit Céline Dion ballad, ‘Alone’. 

And a special mention, has to go to the Paul French as Sid Worley, who gave us an incredible performance. Commanding the stage, while taking on the character in his stride and making it his own, winning the audiences’ hearts from the very beginning as he brought an electric energy to the stage. Playing alongside Sinead Long as Lynette Pomeroy who’s voice gave me chills. 

And the rest of the cast, Jamal Crawford as Gunnery Sergeant Emil Foley, Melanie Masson as Esther Pokrifki, Tim Rogers as Byron Mayo, Olivia Foster-Browne as Casey Seegar, Lucas Piquero as Eduardo Cortez, Chris Breistein as Louis Berryman, Wendi Harriott as Aunt Bunny, James Wilkinson-Jones as Troy, Danny Whelan as Craig, Lucian Simmonds as Jacobson, Julia Jones, Etisyai Philip, Mia Harrison, Will May and Ellie-Grace Cousins, who each gave it their all to deliver a high-energy performance and helped create some incredible all-cast numbers. 

So if you’re looking to get pulled into this everlasting tale of love once again and see the characters you know so well telling their stories once more, then this is the show for you! This spirited show is a must see and it’s only in the Wales Millennium Centre until the 20th April, so get your tickets now!

You can find out more about what’s going on at the Wales Millennium Centre on their website, Facebook and Instagram.

And make sure you check on the official An Officer and a Gentleman The Musical website, Facebook and Instagram.